Contents
Mycena meliaceae (Agaricus meliigena) is a fungus from the Mycenaceae family, of the Agarikovye or Lamellar order. The representative of the mushroom kingdom has not been fully studied, so there is no information about edibility.
What do mycenae meliaceae look like?
The mushroom is small, the diameter of the cap does not exceed 8-10 mm. The surface is convex, parabolic in shape. The top may have a bulge or dent. Because of the whitish coating, the hat seems to be covered with frost. The color ranges from reddish brown to pale brown with a touch of lilac or violet. Older specimens have a deeper brown color.
The plates are very rare (6-14 pieces), wide, with a narrowed finely serrated edge. The color of the plates in young specimens is whitish, becoming beige-brown with age. Edges always appear lighter.
The leg is fragile, elongated, its size varies between 4-20 mm. Thickness no more than 1 mm. Usually with a bend, rarely – even. The color of the stem matches the color of the hat. The coating is frost-like, large flakes can be observed. In specimens at an older age, the plaque becomes thinner, disappears, the leg looks shiny. Residual whitish pubescence visible only at the base.
The pulp is watery, white or creamy, a beige shade is possible. The structure is thin, translucent. There is no data on taste, there is no mushroom or specific smell.
Spores are smooth, spherical, the powder from them is white.
Where do mycenae meliaceae grow?
Mycenae meliaceae grow on the bark of deciduous trees, they prefer a surface covered with moss. Most often found in oak forests. The main area of growth is Europe and Asia.
The period of mass appearance of meliaceae mycenae is the second decade of July. They bear fruit until late autumn (October-November). On warm and humid autumn days, one can observe the sudden numerous appearance of meliaceae mushrooms not on trees, but on a moss cushion around them. The phenomenon is seasonal, as soon as the humidity decreases, the meliaceae also disappear.
Is it possible to eat mycenae meliaceae
The mushroom has not been sufficiently studied, so there is no data on its edibility. It is generally accepted that the mushroom is not edible.
Existing doppelgangers
Mycena meliaceae can be confused with similar species:
- Mycena cortical in some sources it is assigned to a different species, but it has a great similarity, therefore it can be ranked among the synonyms of mycena meliaceae. Melia is common in Europe, and cortical – in North America. The species also has no nutritional value.
- Pseudocortical found in oak forests and can grow in association with melia mycena. Young specimens have clear differences: pseudo-crusted ones are characterized by bluish or gray-blue hues, and melian ones are reddish-violet. Old specimens lose their original color, becoming brownish, so they are difficult to identify. They are not edible.
- Mycena juniperus distinguished by a pale brown hat and is found not on oaks, but on junipers. Edibility is unknown.
Conclusion
Mycena meliaceae is a representative of the mushroom kingdom, which has no nutritional value. It is found in European and Asian countries, in some regions the species is listed in the Red Book.
